Understanding by Design

Wiggins and McTighe

Backwards Design

The backwards design model centers on the idea that the design process should begin with identifying the desired results and then "work backwards" to develop instruction rather than the traditional approach which is to define what topics need to be covered.
The model has 3 stages:
  1. Identify desired results (learning outcomes)
    • “ What should students know, understand, and be able to do? What is worthy of understanding? What enduring understandings are desired?” ([2])
  2. Determine Acceptable Evidence (means to assess if learners have learnt)
    • “ How will we know if students have achieved the desired results and met the standards? What will we accept as evidence of student understanding and proficiency?”([3])
  3. Plan learning experiences and instruction. This includes:
    • definition of knowledge (know-that), skills and procedures (know-how) students ought to master
    • definition of materials
    • definition of learning /teaching activities (scenarios).

Wiggins and McTighe insist a lot on enduring understandings and that go beyond simple facts and skills to include larger concepts, principles or processes.

From EduTech Wiki


Links

Grant Wiggins Blog: Big Ideas
Curriculum Farmer: Interactive Site